The origin of the contemporary Christmas tree is uncertain because trees have been utilised in rituals and as decorations since antiquity. But a lot of people think it came from Germany. According to legend, in 723, the English missionary St. Boniface came across pagans in Germany who were arranging a sacrifice at an oak tree in honour of the deity Thor (Donar). Other stories state that a fir sprouted on the spot of the fallen oak while Boniface took an axe to the tree and, when not struck down by their deity, declared to the awed pagans that a neighbouring evergreen was their "holy tree."
The evergreen tree is one of the most recognisable elements of the Christmas season, whether it is real or artificial. It is a joy to decorate and admire with homemade decorations, shimmering lights, and a show-stopping tree topper to complete the wonderful impression. However, very few people are genuinely aware of the origins of the custom of Christmas trees. So why do we have Christmas trees at this time of year in our homes, places of business, and pretty much everywhere else?
Christmas wouldn't be the same for many people without a lovely evergreen tree in the living room decked with in sparkling ornaments and wrapped presents. The Christmas tree's roots can be traced to paganism, just like the majority of Christmas customs, including the holiday itself.
If you assumed that cutting down evergreen trees for exhibition purposes began with Christianity, you'd be making a logical assumption. After all, the tree is one of Christmas' most recognisable symbols and the festival itself is a Christian one. You would be mistaken, though, as the custom actually dates back to the time of the ancient Egyptians. In fact, you might be surprised to learn where the contemporary practise actually came from and how it was modified along the way.
Despite the fact that not all Christian cultures traditionally decked their homes with evergreens and gifts, the influence of the West and the rise of consumerism has made the Christmas tree a universally recognised emblem. In fact, the Christmas tree has been embraced by many individuals of other religions (See Japan for instance).
Martin Luther, a German philosopher and priest who lived in the 16th century, is most remembered for starting the Protestant Reformation, but he is also credited with introducing the Christmas tree to Christianity and bringing it to Germany.
According to History.com, German Christians constructed outside wood pyramids and decorated them with evergreens and candles to commemorate the birth of Jesus. In order to recreate the stunning image for his family, Luther decided to bring the tree inside and cover it with wire and candles. He was in awe of the wonderful, shimmering trees that shone brightly outside.
Today, other iconic monuments are also visible in other parts of the globe. The Pope's Christmas Tree in Vatican City, the Floating Christmas Tree in Brazil, and the Murano Christmas Tree in Italy are a few of the most famous trees.
A candle was allegedly lit atop a Christmas tree for the first time by Martin Luther, according to some. Legend has it that one late Christmas eve, Luther was walking home through the woods when he was struck by the simple beauty of starlight shining as sky. through fir trees. Martin Luther wanted to tell his family about this incident, so he cut down a fir tree and brought it home. He placed a little candle on the branches to symbolise the Christmas sky.
A professor in Montreal who was working diligently to create a real tree that would endure longer than five decades made the following philosophical case for continuing the custom of using real Christmas trees: "We live in an artificial environment. One of the few remaining natural things is the Christmas tree.
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